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Council selects April Banks’ ‘Building Paradise’ for Bruce’s Beach public art
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Summary
After extensive review of six finalists and community input, Manhattan Beach selected April Banks’ design, an abstracted beach cottage honoring Bruce family history, to be installed at Bruce’s Beach Park. Council voted 5–0 to approve staff recommendation to enter a professional services agreement with the chosen artist.
The Manhattan Beach City Council selected artist April Banks’ proposal "Building Paradise" on Feb. 17 as the permanent public artwork for Bruce’s Beach Park, approving staff to negotiate a professional services agreement with the artist.
The selection followed a multi‑year process: an RFQ, public outreach, public open house with more than 150 attendees and an online survey of 349 respondents. Six finalists produced site‑specific designs responding to the history and legacy of Bruce’s Beach; staff, the Arts & Public Places Committee and Cultural Arts Commission evaluated proposals with public feedback.
"Building Paradise" is an open architectural gesture — an abstracted beach cottage with an open arch and tile, glass and ceramic elements that reference domestic craft traditions and archival images of the site. Staff noted the work was designed to fit beneath the tree line, preserve ocean sight lines and minimize maintenance challenges.
Susan Gray, the city’s public art consultant, said the shortlist represented “some of the best contemporary African American artists in the country,” and praised the depth of research and attention to long‑term conservation in the proposals. Parks officials and commissioners emphasized the project’s potential as a learning site and commemorative landmark.
Council members discussed durability, sight lines and potential for loitering around more enclosed designs; staff said the artist will work with APPC and engineering to resolve those concerns in final design and material selection. After deliberation, a motion to select April Banks passed unanimously.
What happens next: Staff will negotiate a professional services agreement with April Banks, refine materials and base treatments for durability, and return with final design and timeline for fabrication and installation.
